GROWING TOGETHER
ROYAL RANGERS IN KABWE
Die Royal Rangers (RR) sind ein internationaler Jugenverband, der in den 50 Jahren seines Bestehens weltweit über 2,5 Millionen Kinder und Jugendliche erreichte. Die Arbeit der Royal Rangers wird von zwei Aspekten geprägt:
Zum einen von der Pfadfindermethode und zum anderen vom christlichen Missionsauftrag.
The Royal Rangers (RR) is an international youth organization that, over its 50 years of existence, has reached over 2.5 million children and teenagers worldwide. The work of the Royal Rangers is characterized by two aspects: firstly, by the scouting method, and secondly, by the Christian mission mandate.
In the townships of Kabwe, there are hardly any recreational opportunities for children and teenagers. They are left to fend for themselves and often gather in makeshift "cinemas" (huts with a television) and bars. Every additional offering brings variety and broadens their horizons.
Since 2005, German Royal Rangers from Bielefeld have been involved in service projects in the slums of Kabwe at the then BOCCS schools.
Our Zambian staff were convinced that the Royal Rangers work was just right for Zambia and wished for the establishment of a Zambian RR troop. Official recognition through the international Royal Rangers leaders of Africa had to be pursued for this purpose.
On April 14, 2015, the Royal Rangers flag was officially hoisted for the first time in the slum of Katondos. Meanwhile, our RR troop has moved to our school in Waya with about 100 Rangers. This branch of work is an important building block for promoting children and young people. Throughout the country, about 40 RR troops have also been established.
In the Royal Rangers work, it is about a holistic “journeying together” over many years. The most important foundation for this is a committed staff who are wholeheartedly and passionately involved. Our focus is on strengthening Zambian leadership and training junior leaders.
Our Royal Rangers today
We meet weekly with children aged 8 to 18, practicing knots, first aid, engaging with nature, and serving through aid missions in the Waya compound. Camps are highlights, bonding us through cooking, games, and intense times of Bible reading and singing.
The tents and team spots here are different from those in Europe. Here, one must protect themselves constantly from malaria mosquitoes and snakes, and every tree still standing in Africa is precious. The best parts are the enthusiastic team spirit, incredible team songs, and impassioned speeches. We Germans are simply amazed at the joy with which the Rangers present themselves here.
